IMPHAL, March 16: Raising doubts over the accuracy of electronic voting machines, the non-Congress parties have resolved to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if EVMs are used instead of the ballot papers.
The resolution was taken during a public meeting organized by All India Trade Union Congress today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul.
The meet further resolved to file a case at the Supreme Court regarding the discrepancies associated with EVMs in the recently concluded state assembly polls.
It was also resolved that district-wise awareness and national seminars will be organized to sensitize the people on the inefficiency of EVMs.
The representatives of 11 non-Congress parties including Nimaichand Luwang, Radhabinod Koijam, Th Chaoba, Dr M Nara and Laisom Ibomcha attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, NNN adds: The discussion, which was attended by the representatives from 11 non-Congress parties of the State, was sponsored by All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur.
The discussion was participated by senior politicians like Radhabinod Koijam, president, State NCP, Dr Nimaichand Luwang, president, Manipur People’s Party(MPP), Somi Keishing, spokesperson, Naga People’s Front (NPF) , Dr M. Nara, CPI State Secretary, V. Hangkhanglian, president , NPF, and MLA L. Ibomcha.
Most of the speakers deliberated on the fragile mechanisms of EVMs, which according to them stole the people’s fundamental rights.
The voting machine is susceptible to hacking and that it can be fixed prior to polling even as a remote control device can be used, Dr Nara insisted. He also accused the
Congress of manipulating the results of the EVMs in polls to the 10th Manipur assembly.
Ex-MLA L. Jatra said the results of Manipur polls 2012 turned out contrarily to the expectations because the Congress won 42 seats.
Many leaders at the discussion were of the view that the EVMs should be replaced with conventional ballot papers.